New Title The Proof of the External World: Cartesian Theism and the Possibility of Knowledge By Steven M. Duncan This fastinating analysis of Descartes' epistemology attempts to set forth a viable theistic approach to the problems of knowledge, and in particular our knowledge of the external world. ISBN-13: 9780227172674 Specifications: 229x156mm, 236pp, Paperback Price: £19.50 • US$42.50 Publication: November 2008 Order this Title Now

About this Book

Descartes’ attempt to ground the possibility of human knowledge in the existence of God was judged to be a complete failure by his contemporaries. This remains the universal opinion of philosophers to this day, despite the fact that three and a half centuries of secular epistemology – which attempts to ground the possibility of knowledge either in the unaided human intellect or in natural processes – has failed to do any better. Further, the leading twentieth century attempts at theistic epistemology reject both the conception of knowledge and the standards of epistemic evaluation that Descartes takes for granted.

In this book - partly an interpretation of Descartes and partly an attempt to complete his project – the author endeavours to show that a theistic epistemology incorporating Platonic and Aristotelian/Thomist elements can revitalize the Cartesian approach to the solution of the central problems of epistemology, including that most elusive of prizes – the proof of the external world.

This book is essential reading for students of epistemology, metaphysics and philosophy.

Reviews and Comments

"A rigorous and highly original contribution to one of the greatest philosophical problems of all time"
Paul Herrick, Shoreline Community College

About the Author

Dr Steven M. Duncan earned his PhD at the University of Washington in 1987 and has taught at various colleges and universities for the last thirty years. He is currently working at the Adjunct Philosophy Faculty at Bellevue Community College.